When working in PreSonus Studio One 6, having a clear visual representation of your audio levels is non-negotiable for achieving professional mixes. The built-in visual meters are a powerful tool, but their accuracy is entirely dependent on the quality of your audio interface. The right interface provides clean gain, high-resolution conversion, and stable drivers, ensuring that what you see on the meters is a true reflection of your sound.
Choosing an audio interface for Studio One 6 involves balancing your current needs with future growth. Whether you are a solo songwriter, a podcaster, or a producer working with multiple musicians, the interface is the heart of your studio. This roundup covers a range of options, from simple single-input models to more advanced units, all designed to give you the reliable performance and clear metering you need within the Studio One environment.
The Best Audio Interfaces for Studio One 6
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
- M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
- PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface
- PreSonus Studio 68c 6×6 USB Audio Interface
- Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Recording Studio Audio Interface
- Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Audio Interface
- Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2×2 USB Audio Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface
- PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an excellent starting point for solo creators. Its high-performing mic preamps ensure your vocal and acoustic instrument recordings are captured with clarity and detail. The unique Air mode adds extra presence and high-end sparkle, emulating the classic Focusrite ISA preamp, which can help your tracks stand out in a mix.
This interface is built to prevent clipping and distortion, thanks to the Gain Halos that provide a clear visual indicator of your input level. With the ability to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz, the Scarlett Solo delivers studio-quality audio that will translate accurately in Studio One 6’s visual meters. It’s a reliable and straightforward tool for guitarists, vocalists, and podcasters.
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo is a highly portable and versatile USB audio interface perfect for recording on the go. It delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for clear and pristine recordings, making it suitable for podcasts, streaming, and basic music production. Its two combo inputs provide the flexibility to connect microphones, instruments, or line-level sources.
For monitoring, the M-Track Duo includes a dedicated headphone output and a USB/Direct switch for zero-latency monitoring. This feature allows you to hear your performance in real time without any distracting delay, which is crucial for getting a good take. It’s a budget-conscious option that covers the essentials for content creators and musicians.
PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface
The PreSonus AudioBox 96 is a value-packed 2-channel interface that comes with a special bonus for Studio One users: the Studio One Artist DAW software. This integration creates a seamless workflow from recording to mixing. The interface features two high-quality, Class-A mic preamps that provide a clean and robust signal for your microphones.
In addition to the XLR inputs, the AudioBox 96 includes two high-headroom instrument inputs for recording guitar or bass directly, as well as MIDI I/O for connecting keyboards and other MIDI gear. This makes it a well-rounded solution for the home studio musician who needs a simple yet capable setup for recording vocals, instruments, and MIDI sequences.
PreSonus Studio 68c 6×6 USB Audio Interface
For those requiring more inputs, the PreSonus Studio 68c offers a compact but powerful solution. This 6-in/6-out USB-C interface is loaded with four pristine XMAX Class A mic preamps, allowing you to record a small band or multiple microphone setups simultaneously. The studio-grade converters support recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz for exceptional detail.
The Studio 68c is designed for expandability, making it a great long-term investment for a growing project studio. It includes both Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite, giving you powerful software to realize your creative ideas. The high-resolution audio ensures that the visual meters in Studio One 6 display a true and accurate picture of your mix.
Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Recording Studio Audio Interface
The Universal Audio Volt 1 brings vintage analog sound into a modern, portable USB interface. It features a built-in Vintage mode that emulates the classic tone of UA’s legendary 610 tube preamp, adding warmth and musical character to your recordings. This allows you to capture a more polished and professional sound right at the source.
With support for 24-bit/192kHz recording, the Volt 1 captures every nuance of your performance. It also comes with a license for the LUNA Recording System, offering a deeply integrated workflow for UA users. For the solo recorder who wants a touch of analog mojo without the complexity, the Volt 1 is an outstanding choice.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Audio Interface
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X represents the professional standard for desktop recording interfaces. Its key feature is the Unison preamp technology, which allows the preamps to physically reconfigure to emulate classic hardware from Neve, API, and more. This lets you record through iconic analog sounds in real time, with near-zero latency.
Powered by twin UAD DSP processors, the Apollo Twin X can run UAD plug-ins for tracking and mixing, freeing up your computer’s CPU. It also includes advanced monitoring features like Apollo Monitor Correction, powered by Sonarworks, which optimizes your speaker and headphone output for a flatter, more accurate frequency response—perfect for trusting your Studio One meters.
Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2×2 USB Audio Interface
The Behringer UMC202HD offers remarkable value by incorporating Midas-designed mic preamps, known for their clean and transparent sound quality. This 2×2 interface provides two combination inputs for microphones, instruments, or line-level gear, making it a flexible core for a home studio.
It supports 24-bit/192kHz resolution for high-fidelity recording and includes a zero-latency direct monitoring feature. This allows you to hear your input signal without any digital delay, which is essential for recording vocals and instruments comfortably. For those on a tight budget who refuse to compromise on core preamp quality, the UMC202HD is a compelling option.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the most popular audio interfaces in the world, and for good reason. Its two high-performance mic preamps with Air mode provide a clear and professional foundation for any recording. The instrument inputs are designed with high headroom to cleanly capture the output of guitars and basses without distortion.
Like the Scarlett Solo, it features Gain Halos for easy level setting and supports 24-bit/192kHz audio. The two-input, two-output design is the perfect sweet spot for singer-songwriters, podcasting duos, and producers who need to record two sources at once. Its reliability and excellent sound quality make it a trusted workhorse for countless Studio One users.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition is a classic interface that has been a reliable entry-point for musicians for years. It offers two combo inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones, plus MIDI connectivity for keyboard controllers and other gear. This interface is built for simplicity and durability.
Included with the interface is PreSonus’s Studio One Artist software, which provides a seamless and integrated recording experience. The straightforward design and proven driver stability make it an excellent no-fuss choice for anyone starting their music production journey with Studio One 6, ensuring you can focus on creating without technical complications.
What to Look For in an Audio Interface for Studio One 6 with Visual Meters
When I’m picking an audio interface specifically to work with Studio One 6, I focus on a few key things that make my workflow smooth. The most obvious one is having good visual metering right on the hardware. Seeing my levels at a glance without constantly looking at the computer screen is a huge time-saver and helps me avoid clipping during a take. But the interface itself needs to play nicely with Studio One to make the most of those lights and meters.
First, I always check the driver stability and latency. An interface with solid, well-supported ASIO or Core Audio drivers is non-negotiable. I need to run my sessions at a low buffer size for recording without hearing crackles or pops, and then seamlessly switch to a higher buffer for mixing with lots of plugins. Next, I consider the I/O count. How many microphones or instruments do I need to record at once? If I ever plan to record a drum kit or a small band, I’ll need more preamps and line inputs. For solo work, a simple 2-in/2-out interface might be perfect.
The quality of the preamps and converters is another big factor. Clean, quiet preamps mean my recordings start with a strong, clear signal. High-quality analog-to-digital converters ensure that the sound going into my computer is an accurate representation of the source. For outputs, good digital-to-analog converters make my mixes sound detailed and true when I’m listening back. Finally, I think about the physical connectivity. Does it connect via USB-C, Thunderbolt, or something else? Thunderbolt interfaces often offer the lowest latency, which is great, but a modern USB interface is more than capable for most home studio tasks. By balancing these factors with my budget, I can find the best audio interface for Studio One 6 with visual meters that fits my specific needs.
FAQ
Why are visual meters on an audio interface important for Studio One 6?
Visual meters on the interface itself give me an immediate, hardware-level reference for my input levels. While Studio One has excellent metering on screen, having lights on the box means I can keep my eyes on the performer or my instrument while ensuring I’m not clipping the input stage of the interface. It’s a faster, more intuitive way to set gain and catch problems before they ruin a perfect take.
Can I use any audio interface with Studio One 6?
Yes, practically any class-compliant or ASIO/Core Audio supported interface will work with Studio One 6. The software is very compatible. However, to get the best performance and stability, I always look for interfaces from reputable brands that provide dedicated, regularly updated drivers. This ensures low latency and reliable operation, which is crucial for a smooth recording and mixing session.
Do I need a Thunderbolt interface for low latency, or is USB enough?
For the vast majority of users, a modern USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB-C interface is completely sufficient and will provide very low latency. Thunderbolt is fantastic and does offer theoretically lower latency, but the real-world difference for most home studio projects is often negligible. I only start considering Thunderbolt if I’m working on very large sessions with high track counts or need to run at extremely low buffer sizes with hundreds of plugins.
How many inputs and outputs do I realistically need?
This depends entirely on what you record. If you’re a singer-songwriter who records one vocal and one guitar at a time, a 2-in/2-out interface is perfect. If you plan to record a drum kit, you’ll likely need 8 or more preamps. I also like to have a few extra line outputs for connecting outboard gear or sending a separate mix to a vocalist in the booth. It’s always better to have a few more inputs and outputs than you think you’ll need right now.
What’s the benefit of having a loopback feature on my interface?
Loopback is incredibly useful for content creators. It allows me to route the computer’s audio output (like music from a browser or sound from a video game) back into a channel in Studio One as an input. This means I can easily record a podcast while playing audio clips, or stream my music production process while capturing both my voice and the computer’s sound seamlessly. It simplifies the process immensely compared to using virtual audio cables.
Is it worth paying more for high-quality preamps and converters?
In my experience, yes. The preamps and converters are the heart of the interface. Better preamps mean a cleaner, more detailed sound with less self-noise, which gives you a stronger foundation for your recordings. Superior converters ensure the audio captured is an accurate representation of your source and that your mixes translate well when played on other systems. Investing in this quality early on is one of the best ways to improve your overall sound. Finding the best audio interface for Studio One 6 with visual meters often means balancing these quality components with your other needs.